Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Background The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) World Factbook indicates that the military branches in Iran in 2011 consisted of the Islamic Republic of Iran Regular Forces (Artesh): Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force (IRIAF), Khatemolanbia Air Defense Headquarters; Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (Sepah-e Pasdaran-e Enqelab-e Eslami, IRGC): Ground Resistance Forces, Navy, Aerospace Force, Quds Force (special operations); Law Enforcement Forces. 2014) Sources indicate that military service is mandatory for all males in Iran (IHRDC 7 Nov. 2013); being "a man who has demonstrated exceptional scholastic achievement" (IHRDC 7 Nov. "Iran May Cut Mandatory Military Service." [Accessed 20 Mar.